Question

set b
choosing the right word
select the boldface word that better completes each sentence. you might refer to the passage on pages 68 - 69 to see how the choices might be related forms of the unit words. note that the choices may be related forms of the unit words.

1. the brook (prattling, annihilating) along its rocky course seemed to be conversing wordlessly with the wind murmuring in the trees.
2. it is up to us to get rid of any (latent, morose) prejudices that we may still unwittingly hold against members of other races and nationalities.
3. while his (accomplices, prattles) acted as decoys, one of the youngsters attempted to filch a couple of apples from the unguarded bin.
4. i dont think it is fair to call her a (stagnant, morose) person just because she was in a dejected mood when you met her.
5. with their bigger, faster, more experienced players, south high simply (succumbed, annihilated) our team, 56 to 7.
6. you may think that his explanation is perfectly clear, but i find it confused and (brazen, opaque).
7. during the summer, urban \sun worshippers\ begin their weekly (exodus, prattle) from the city at around 3:00 p.m. on friday.
8. unemployment will stay at a high level so long as a nations economy remains (stagnant, brazen).
9. i refuse to believe that our society will (annihilate, succumb) to the weaknesses that have destroyed other nations.
10. the leaden silence of the afternoon was shattered by the (opaque, brazen) voices of trumpets braying fanfares for the returning hero.
11. i worried that the toddlers (exodus, prattle) would continue throughout the film.
12. her (stagnant, brazen) demeanor might help her to be a successful salesperson but it could also alienate potential customers.

Explanation:

1. "prattling" means to talk in a foolish or simple - minded way which fits the description of the brook's sound.
2. "latent" means hidden or concealed, which is appropriate for "prejudices" we unknowingly hold.
3. "accomplices" are people who help someone in a wrong - doing, fitting the context of the youngsters stealing apples.
4. "morose" means sullen and ill - tempered, which is a better fit for describing a person's mood than "stagnant" in this context.
5. "annihilated" means to destroy completely, which describes South High's victory over the other team.
6. "opaque" means not clear or difficult to understand, which is appropriate for a confusing explanation.
7. "exodus" means a mass departure, which describes the urban "sun worshippers" leaving the city.
8. "stagnant" means not growing or moving, which is appropriate for an economy that is not improving.
9. "succumb" means to yield to a negative force, which is what is feared for society in this context.
10. "brazen" means bold and without shame, which describes the loud and bold sound of the trumpets.
11. "prattle" means to talk in a childish or silly way, which is appropriate for a toddler's talk.
12. "brazen" means bold and confident, which can describe a demeanor in a sales context.

Answer:

1. prattling
2. latent
3. accomplices
4. morose
5. annihilated
6. opaque
7. exodus
8. stagnant
9. succumb
10. brazen
11. prattle
12. brazen